While some in the City of Miami Beach;s political establishment hate to admit it, adult erotic
dance club, Club Madonna of an icon in the city
– one the Miami Beach’s most popular destinations and yet, still, a strip club governed by Miami
Beach’s antiquated morality laws. Yes, for the
uninitiated, Club Maddona is not permitted full
nude entertainment while serving alcohol. It’s
been a detriment to the club while helping local
liquor stores make a fortune – including one at
least once owned by the one-time city commissioner whose wife subsequently launched a moral
crusade against the club while simultaneously
profiting, according to documents referenced in
previous news reports.
The City of Miami Beach subsequently came
down on the club, was found violating principle if
not the laws of the state by conspiring secretly
against the club and had otherwise made a symbol of the city’s morality of the club – while, at the
same time, corruption related to city taxpayer dollars ran amok and virtually unchecked at city hall.
To say the least, the City of Miami Beach –
checkered with internal corruption and cronyism
— doesn’t like Club Madonna or its owner, Leroy
Griffith. This is despite the fact that the city prides
itself on being modern and progressive, ignored
nude sunbathers, and can’t seem to eradicate city
hall of criminality. But, for whatever reason, and
despite little concern with internal ethics over the
past two decades, likes to make an example of
Club Madonna, a business that operated within
the parameters of more mature municipalities
like Miami-Dade County and more honest governments such as even the City of North Miami.
But, over time, Griffith has challenged the judgment of the actions of Miami Beach, which at least
deserve observation for overt criminal collusion.
This week, Club Madonna struck back. First
accused of hiring an under-age dancer and then
of owing the City of Miami Beach a fortune of
fines, the City has done pretty much everything
in its ability to destroy the club and its owner, despite the fact that similar businesses operate all
over South Florida and the United States. No, administration members accepting bribes seems to
be warrant long-term investigation. But a nude

club in a conservative city like Miami Beach?
Clearly, the city is dedicated towards the destruction of those businesses, even while jokingly portraying itself as a European-type metropolis.
Griffith and Madonna are not sitting still for
the latest accusations about back fees owed the
City, its latest maneuver to make the city safe for
Middle American tourists offended by nudity. Even
is statistics prove Middle America doesn’t visit
Miami Beach, at least not for more than a few
hours on average before jumping on a bikiniladen cruise ship.
“This is in response to your letter to our client
Club Madonna, Inc., dated January 27, 2014 regarding an alleged violation of the Miami Beach
City Code Section 102-307(a),” attorney R. Wolfe
wrote in a memo to City Manager Jimmy Morales
this week, and obtained by SunPost. “For the subsequent reasons, our client vehemently repudiates
all alleged violations of Section 102-307(a) and any
related sections of the Miami Beach City Code. We
oppose any efforts to attempt to close our client’s
business (yet again) and will seek damages should
you choose to take that punitive action.
“Our client openly admits to the sale of nonalcoholic beverages and soft drinks to patrons at
its place of business. That has been known to the
city for more than 20 years, during which time,
the city has never claimed that the resort tax was
due, until the recent disputes with the City and
our client has escalated.
“Nevertheless, no resort tax is due to the city.
“A careful reading of Section 102-307(a) reveals that the tax violation in question applies to

the sale of beverages at restaurants. Section 102306 defines ‘restaurants’ for purposes of the
Miami Beach City Code as, ‘any business or place
for serving food or refreshments required by law
to be licensed by the hotel and restaurant commission of the state, or any premises licensed by
the city for sale of intoxicating liquor or wine.’
“There is no question our client is not licensed by the city to sell intoxicating liquor or
wine.” the attorney continued. “Thus, in order to
be liable under Section 102-307(a) our client
must be required by law to be licensed by the
Hotel and Restaurant Commission of Florida.
“For licensing purposes The Hotel and
Restaurant Commission of Florida defines a
restaurant under §509.013(5)(a) as a ‘public food
service establishment,’ which means any building, vehicle, place, or structure, or any room or division in a building, vehicle, place, or structure
where food is prepared, served, or sold for immediate consumption on or in the vicinity of the
premises; called for or taken out by customers; or
prepared prior to being delivered to another location for consumption.
“The Hotel and Restaurant Commission then
lists several exclusions from the definition of a
“public food service establishment”. One such exclusion under §509.013(5)(b)(6) is, ‘any place of
business where the food available for consumption is limited to ice, beverages with or without
garnishment, popcorn, or prepackaged items sold
without additions or preparation.’”
“Furthermore, the Hotel and Restaurant
Commission excludes under §509.013(5)(b)(7),
‘any theater, if the primary use is as a theater and
if patron service is limited to food items customarily served to the admittees of theaters.’
“Our client solely serves non-alcoholic beverages, which puts it under the exclusion of
§509.013(5)(b)(6). Additionally, our clients business is primarily used as a theater. Thus, our
client can serve beverages and food items customarily served to admittees of theaters without
becoming a restaurant according to The Hotel
and Restaurant Commission of Florida.
It is also worth noting that at no time in the
past 15 to 25 years has the City of Miami Beach
asked our client to obtain a license from The
Hotel and Restaurant Commission of Florida or
file any related tax reports. As a result of the fore-

“There is no question our client
is not licensed by the city to sell
intoxicating liquor or wine.” – from
an attorney’s letter from Club
Madonna to City Manager
Jimmy Morales

going information, our client respectfully objects
to your claim that taxes are due pursuant to
Miami Beach City Code Section 102-307(a).”
Club Madonna served no alcohol and limited
if any food. On the face of the law, Club Madonna
appears correct and the City’s alleged lack of demand to apply to The Hotel and Restaurant Commission of Florida appears to demonstrate its
awareness of the truth.
But truth has had little to do with the City’s
war on Club Madonna. In fact, according to statements from reviewing ethic bodies, the City has
repeatedly acted at minimum in bad faith and
possibly illegally. It was a former commissioner’s
wife who launched the assault against Madonna
(the same commissioner who in media reports
allegedly owns a nearby liquor store that benefits
from Madonna’s inability to sell liquor), and since
then, it appears to outsiders that the City is simply spitefully protecting its political establishment
to the detriment of law, State code and the findings of reviewing bodies.
At press time, Morales, who was not city manager when the jihad against Club Madonna
began, had apparently not replied to the letter
contesting dubious allegations that the club owed
the City fees. This has just been the latest maneuver against Club Madonna, whose owner
claims to have been solicited for bribes from previous commission members.
“I have no idea why a city in which people
sunbathe nude, where the primary attraction is
sex and alcohol and partying would single out that
club,” said Edgar Winston, of Miami, a frequent
visitor who has often visited Club Madonna. “ You
know if it was a gay club and the City tried this
kind of abuse and extortion, there would be hell to
pay. Ironic for a city that has at different time tried
to eliminate Jews and gays from the population.
This is so transparent, it’s embarrassing to the city.
But when you have members of the administration arrested for corruption and still listen to their
advice on major development deals, it isn’t like
anyone with a brain could think there is anything
ethical in Miami Beach. It’s as corrupt as when the
[Cosa Nostra]. Only now they use poor lawyers,
who have to hate all the lies, instead of guns. Either way, it goes to show you that his new city administration isn’t anymore above political
retribution and corruption than any of the previous administrations. It’s the same as always. You
got a friend in city hall, you can do anything. Hey,
this is a city that used to let developers sit on its
boards and rule on developments. Corrupt then,
corrupt now. Same-same. I just feel bad for the guy
who owns the business since he could open in an
honest, more conservative city and not have to pay
everyone off just to run a business.”
Griffith could not be reached by press time
for additional comment.
Meanwhile, the fate of Club Madonna remains unclear in a city of nude beaches, the
World Erotic Art Museum and a city park that’s
been notorious for sex-cruising for 20 years.

School Ties
City of Miami Beach Wants to
Improve Area Schools
By Michael W. Sasser

While in South Florida, public schools
fall under the auspices of Miami-Dade
County that doesn’t mean that the City of
Miami Beach doesn’t want to see improved
educational opportunities for the children.
Miami Beach Commissioner Ed Tobin has
scheduled the city commission to consider
just that.
“I have placed a matter on the next City
Commission Agenda, February 12 regarding
taking the first step in getting our kids the
best public middle school in the country,”
Tobin wrote in a memo to Nautilus parents.
“On Wednesday February 12, the city commission will discuss whether to hire a consultant to advise the City on what criteria
makes a middle school the very best and
methods for getting us there.

“If the item passes we will be on our way
to the best middle school in the country,”
Tobin continued. “While you are receiving
this email from me this is not my issue
alone. The mayor and each of the new commissioners have gone on the record stating
they would wade into the public education
arena and that’s a big deal.
“As you are probably aware, public
schooling for the entire County is the responsibility of the Miami-Dade School sys-

tem. Cities traditionally accept what the
county system gives.
“With city hall committed to really getting involved on the public education issue
its time for the parents to band together and
let us know you want our help. Miami Beach
could and should have the best public education in the Country. Let’s focus on our
middle school. We should provide the very
best for every level of student in middle
school and if the County can’t handle the job
we may have to move to a City managed
middle school.
“The City has the resources to take over
if the school board can’t handle the job.
Again the job is best middle school in the
country. Nothing less.
“It is simply a matter of the parents letting the City know this is a CRITICAL issue
for them. I know the parents at Nautilus
want the best. Parents with children in our
elementary feeder pattern have their eye on
Nautilus and want the best. The parents
need to know that this Mayor and this City
Commission would be 100% on their side to

“Some kids won a contest. I’m
sorry, but that is such crap.”
– Commissioner Ed Tobin

accomplish this goal and this Commission
will make it happen. The parents simply
need to ask us for help.
“We need to make Ransom the second
choice for children that can’t get into our
Miami Beach Middle,” Tobin continued.
At press time, it was unclear what —- if
any – commission action might have happened.
However, this isn’t the only question left
unanswered.
Schools are the responsibility – administratively and financially — of Miami-Dade
County. According to one Miami-Dade
teacher, speaking on terms of anonymity, “
There really isn’t anything but enhanced
services that a city can offer,” he said. “I
don’t know what a city can really offer than
that, except exposure to particular problems.
I am not aware that Nautilus has any specific problems that need that kind of focus.
It’s hardly the worst middle school. Sure all
schools with students that age have issues,
but that is more about maturation than it is
anything about the school.”
School Board member Martin Karp
seems to believe that the school doesn’t need
the focus.
“I am going to continue working with
staff to improve Nautilus,” wrote Karp in an
email reply to Tobin, an education champion. “Meanwhile, if there is anything specific that you would like me to address then
do not hesitate to contact meLast weekend,
a STEM (Science Technology Engineering
Math) team from Nautilus placed first in the
District and the South Florida Science Fair.”
Tobin, the commissioner most focused
on education in the city, was unimpressed.
“How can you work on Nautilus if you
don’t know the issues off the top of your
head,” Tobin replied. “Some kids won a contest. I’m sorry, but that is such crap.”
Tobin did not respond to questions in regard to city interference in a county issue,
what he hoped to achieve or what precedent
might be set, in time for SunPost press time.

A Sign of
Customer Service
Going Beyond Expectations
at the City of Miami Beach
By David Arthur Walters

The temporary sign at city hall beckoned
me to celebrate Customer Service Week. That
was just what I intended to do as I approached the receptionist in the garage
building to inquire about purchasing temporary signs for advertising real estate for
rent or sale.
“May I have a permit application for a
temporary real estate sign, please?”
“We do not have applications for that.”
“Well, how does one get a sign permit,
then?”
“What kind of sign do you have?” she
asked, opening a drawer. “Is it single family,
residential?”
“No, I am interested in multifamily,
commercial, industrial, and vacant land sign
permits.”
She extracted what appeared to be a receipt form from her drawer, and prepared to
write on it with her pen.
“It’s twenty-five dollars. I need the company name and the address of the sign, and
then you take this to the cashier behind me.”
“I do not want to buy a sign permit. I am
a reporter checking into the permit process
so I can talk to the city manager about it.
May I have one of the forms?”
“No.”
“Why? Do they have serial numbers?”
“Yes.”
“Then may I look at one?”
“No.”

“Please, could I just make a copy?” I
took out my cell phone.
“No.”
“Okay, then, what information is on the
form?” I took out my pencil to take notes.
“The address and the name, as I said,
then you take it to the window and pay
twenty-five dollars, and get a permit decal to
put on the sign.”
“Does the applicant have to sign the
form?”
“No.”
“Do you give applicants a copy of the ordinance handout with the form?” I pulled a
handout from the rack behind me.
“No, if they ask for one, they can take
one from there.”
“Thank you very much,” I said, tempted
to add “for nothing.” But I do not like to be
rude to clerks who are just doing their jobs
pursuant to the mission statement that city
officials display in their email signatures:
“We are committed to providing excellent
public service and safety to all who live, work
and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community.”
Our new mayor, public relations businessman Philip Levine, spent over a million
dollars of his own money to purchase his
government office, which has little executive
power, yet he vowed to run the city like a
business with excellent customer service.
One service not being excellently pro-

vided is the enforcement of the city’s signage
code, that is, not unless a civilian risks retaliation by filing a complaint, and even
then enforcement appears to be selective. A
stroll around South Beach reveals that the
majority of real estate for rent or for sale
signs are either not permitted or bear expired permit decals. This particular lack of
excellence has made the Code Enforcement
Division of the city’s Building Department
the butt of jokes.
But some businesses are not laughing:
they are madder than hell about the random
and selective enforcement of all sorts of ordinances. Unpermitted signs are allegedly
the superficial aspect of a degenerate feudal
bureaucracy that no one, not even city commissioners and city managers, can do much
about pending the next round of indictments.
Never mind the size, height, and setback
requirements for signs if you happen to be
an owner or realtor who wants to avoid at
least the appearance of impropriety by getting a sign permit decal for your sign. Have
someone go over to the garage and buy the
permits and stick them on the signs, sight
unseen, no affidavits as to propriety required.
If I had been a better investigative reporter, I would have had the clerk fill out the

receipt for a sign to be placed at 1100 Washington Avenue. That evening, I would surreptitiously plant the sign at the address
given. Chances are they would never find me
for unlawfully erecting a sign on public
property since I would have given a common name. Code Enforcement is blind unless someone complains, so how long would
the sign remain before someone filed a complaint against the police department?
CELLS AVAILABE Short or Long Term
Raymond Martinez 305-673-7900.

Miami International
Boat Show Begins
Today on Miami Beach
By Kim Steiner

The 2014 Miami International Boat Show, one of the most prestigious boat exhibitions in
the world--and perhaps the most visited—opens its doors from February 13 to 17 to coincide
with the celebration of the Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show. The event will showcase the world´s
most exclusive luxury vessels and super yachts.
In this new edition, Miami will host more than 3,000 boats and 2,000 firms from around
the world in three meeting points: the usual headquarters at the Miami Beach Convention
Center, the Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center and Miamarina at Bayside. In total, the show
covers—only on water—an area of almost 4 million square feet, including a large stretch
along the Indian Creek Waterway, where about 500 yachts will be anchored. This global exhibition will also feature a wide range of accessories and the latest marine technology, with a
combined value of one billion dollars.
An additional novelty, the 2014 Superyacht Miami at the Miami Beach Marina, will bring
around 60 mega yachts and luxury vessels exceeding 155 feet in length, which due to their size
can´t be displayed on the Indian Creek channel.
The audience, which is expected to exceed 100,000 visitors, will be able to access a fine selection of attractive boats. Oceanis 55, from the famous Beneteau shipyard, is among the vessels causing most expectation. The avant-garde design of this 55-foot sailboat amazes with
modern lines, excellent navigation and subtle luxury.
The stunning metallic exterior of Oceanis 55 belies its delicate interior design, in which
spaces for rest and relaxation abound, all exquisitely decorated with fine woods and warm
hues. This model has a market price of around $650,000, and the one exhibited in the show,
like most of its peers, already has a lucky owner.
The Furina, from the firm Danilevi Powerboats, makes an excellent choice for those looking for something small to complement a large yacht, either to approach the coast or just
enjoy high speeds.
This beautiful boat, only 22 feet long, stands out for its sporty design reminiscent of old
Porsche or Ferrari models. The deep red curves and nickel-plated ornaments evoke a powerful motorcycle or an old sports car. Inside the console, the stitched leather seats with aluminum and stainless steel details reaffirm the image of vintage automobiles. This aquatic
sprinter has a powerful V8 Volvo Penta EVC 380 engine, capable of reaching a top speed of
about 52 knots (60 mph).
These are just a couple of examples of thousands of luxury yachts, sailboats, boats for
sport fishing or water sports that will be on view in Miami this February. There will also be a
huge variety of engines, electronics and high-tech navigation equipment showcased at the
2014 Miami International Boat Show, an event in which attendees can enjoy the best of life at
sea and acquire the latest marine technology and accessories. See what’s new at the Greatest
Boat Show in the World! Florida's largest annual event spans three locations—the Miami
Page 12 • Thursday, February 13, 2014 • SunPost Weekly • www.miamisunpost.com

Beach Convention Center, the New Yacht & Power Boat Show at Sea Isle Marina and Strictly
Sail at Miamarina at Bayside—and features more than 3,000 boats and 2,000 exhibitors from
all over the globe. There’s no better place to preview the new boating season!
You name it you’ll see it here—from the latest in powerboats, sailboats and engines to cutting-edge marine electronics and accessories to the best in nautical gifts, services and apparel.
And there’s no better time to buy! The 5-day event is your once-a-year chance to compare
makes and models, and gear up with the latest accessories all at one time!
Beyond the boats and booths special events, attractions and activities celebrate the boating lifestyle and offer entertainment for everyone. Launch your boating life at the Welcome to
the Water Center which includes Boating 101, Advanced Seminars, Discover Boating for under
$250/Month. Discover Boating Puts You at the Helm! — register for hands-on, on-the-water
clinics and seminars to help you get started in boating. The Big Game Room sponsored by SIMRAD features everything for sport fishing, from boats and gear to seminars and clinics. And
that’s just the start—visit the show highlight page for a complete listing.
If sailing is your passion, stop by Strictly Sail Miami at Miamarina at Bayside. You’ll find
sailboats, sailing gear and accessories from around the world—including an unbeatable selection of catamarans. Among the highlights— daily sailing seminars, Cruiser's Outpost
Cruiser's Party, featuring the Eric Stone Band on Saturday, Sailing Simulator and more.

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You’ve seen him on countless late night talk shows and all over Comedy Central. But it is his regular appearances on The Daily Show, his own
Comedy Central show called Lewis Black’s Root of All Evil, and two HBO
specials that have made Lewis Black a household name. Black’s intelligent brand of political humor and social commentary,
blended with his neurotic delivery, make for a hilarious romp
through American culture. 8pm. $39.50 - $75. Fillmore, 1700 Washington Ave; Miami Beach. For info: ﬁllmoremb.com

Experience true Love this Valentine's Day with a special performance by Darlene Love,
the roof-raising voice behind the 1960s hits He's a Rebel and the holiday classic Christmas
(Baby Please Come Home). As part of Phil Spector's wall of sound hit factory, Love provided back-up vocals for numerous timeless singles including Johnny Angel, You've
Lost that Lovin' Feeling and Baby, I Need Your Loving. It's no wonder The New York
Times raves: "Darlene Love's thunderbolt voice is as embedded in the history
of rock and roll as Eric Clapton's guitar or Bob Dylan's lyrics." A Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame inductee, Love is one of the greatest singers of all time, according to Rolling Stone
magazine. 8pm. $37.50 - $47.50. Parker Playhouse, 707 NE 8th St; Fort Lauderdale. For
info: parkerplayhouse.com
FLY OR MAKE
A KITE DURING
KITE DAY

FEBRUARY 14
PEFORMANCE
Ana Mendez
In response to artist Tracey Emin’s exhibition Angel Without You, currently on exhibition at
MOCA, Miami based performance artist Ana Mendez will debut her new work Date Night. Galleries are open. 8pm. $10. MOCA, 770 NE 125th St; North Miami. For info: mocanomi.org

FEBRUARY 14
SOCIAL
A Wild Affair at Jungle Island
Skip the busy restaurant lines and enjoy a romantic evening under the stars. Celebrate
Valentine’s Day at South Florida’s most romantic, wild event, featuring live music, romantic movies, ﬁne wine & light bites. Admission includes a complimentary bottle of
wine, selection of ﬁne cheeses & a sample of delectable desserts. A picnic style set-up
completes the fun-ﬁlled evening. Guests can also add to the experience with VIP seating
& order from a prix ﬁxe menu. $100. 7:30pm - 11:00pm. Jungle Island, 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail; Miami. For info: 305-400-7000 or jungleisland.com

FEBRUARY 14
PERFORMANCE
Juraj Kojs
Signals from Composer Juraj Kojs opens tonight in the second installation of MTC's Sandbox
Series. Rooster calls, sirens, ringtones, video games sounds and computer earcons ring in an interactive multimedia performance including a set of original signal languages which enables the
audience to navigate through a forest of sonic and tactile experiences. Runs through March 1. 8pm. $15 $20. Miami Theater Center, 9806 NE 2nd Ave; Miami Shores. For info: mtcmiami.org or 305-751-9550.

FEBRUARY 14
DANCE
Viva Paris International
Burlesque Show by Erika Moon. Immerse yourself into an exotic world that entertains the senses through
dance, elegance and beauty with a sizzling ﬂare of Burlesque. This dynamite show features a talented local
and international team of 20 Artists performing a colorful variety of acts that will dazzle and seduce. A true
cabaret production directly from Paris complete with gorgeous costumes and music. $35 - $395. 9pm. Colony
Theatre, 1040 Lincoln Rd; Miami Beach. erikamoon.com or 786-252-2345
ALVIN AILEY DANCE COMPANY TO PERFORM AT THE ARSHT

FEBRUARY 14
OPERA
Andrea Bocelli
World-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will give a special Valentine’s Day performance tonight featuring soaring arias and famed
loved songs from his new album Passione. This album is a stunning
collection of Mediterranean love songs featuring duets with global
pop stars Jennifer Lopez and Nelly Furtado. Passione includes several
beloved classics such as Love Me Tender, Girl From Ipanema, and Sarà
Settembre. Lopez is featured on the soft and sensual track Quizás
Quizás Quizás and Furtado joins Bocelli on Corcovado. The album
also features a duet with the late French chanteuse Edith Piaf on the
song La Vie En Rose. Gloria Estefan will join Bocelli onstage tonight.
$380 - $80. 8pm. BB&T Center, 2555 NW 136 Ave; Ft Lauderdale. For
info: thebbtcenter.com

from early morning to late night indicate the traditional Italian tendency to have something going on the side. As Paolo’s
life spins out of control, Greta, on the advice of her colleague,
the airline pilot François, decides to follow Paolo and ﬁnd
out what exactly he’s up to. 9pm. O Cinema Miami Shores,
9806 NE 2nd Ave; Miami Shores. For info: 786-565-FILM

FEBRUARY 14
BOOKS
I Always Loved You
Bring your valentine to Books & Books in Coral Gables for an
evening of literature, music, food and drinks set in the world
of Belle Époque Paris and featuring two celebrated artists of
the Impressionist movement. Travel to Paris, 1926. An aging
Mary Cassatt, eyesight failing, sifts through the clutter of her
art studio searching for a bundle of lost letters. The sight of
them—bound in silk ribbon, fading and difﬁcult to make
out—instantly brings her back in time to her fateful introduction to Edgar Degas and to the love and heartbreak that
followed. In her new novel, I Always Loved You, Robin Oliveira,
tells of their tumultuous and passionate love affair. As artistic collaborators, friends, antagonists, and, presumably,
lovers, Mary and Edgar forge an impassioned relationship
that deeply impacts the nature of their art and deﬁnes both
of their lives. Oliviera’s story brilliantly captures the golden
age of Impressionism and is peopled with prominent ﬁgures
of the movement like Edouard Manet, Berthe Morisot, Claude
Monet, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Join Books & Books for a
reading and enjoy a light supper at The Café at Books &
Books by Chef Allen from 6-11pm, with a special menu inspired by Oliviera and I Always Loved You. Live music in the
courtyard will feature the David Leon Group, performing
songs of love in both English and French. What could be
more romantic than an evening at your favorite bookshop
featuring music, a meal to share and a reading to transport
you to another time? Sneak a kiss among the bookshelves.
They won’t tell. $25. 8pm. 265 Aragon Ave; Coral Gables. For
info: 305-448-9599 or booksandbooks.com

FEBRUARY 14
DANCE
Program III: Triple Threat
A love story, a Broadway classic and ballet… Miami City Ballet does
it again as it presents Triple Threat, the third program of its 20132014 season. In this program, Miami City Ballet doubles up on the
premieres and adds two works to the company’s repertoire – George
Balanchine’s boldly modern Episodes, and the brilliantly theatrical
West Side Story Suite. MCB’s own Sharks and Jets rumble, fall in love,
dance and sing in Jerome Robbins’ own ballet based on his Tony
Award-winning Broadway musical. A tour-de-force performed
worldwide, Balanchine’s thrilling Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux completes
this momentous program. Ziff Ballet Opera House, 1300 Biscayne
Blvd; Miami. For info: arshtcenter.org

FEBRUARY 14
FILM
Girl On A Bicycle
Take your sweetie to the movies this Valentines Day for a screening of
Girl On A Bicycle at O CInema. Paolo, an Italian who drives a tour bus
in Paris, explaining to his passengers that Paris is a second-rate Rome,
has just proposed to the love of his life, Greta, the very German stewardess with whom he is living, when an attractive young French
woman, Cécile pulls up beside his bus on her bicycle – again and
again. Aware that Paolo is unable to get the vision of this lovely
woman from his mind, his friend, the witty womanizing Brit, Derek
advises him to meet the distracting beauty, since no woman can live
up to the fantasy he has of her. In his bumbling attempt to meet Cécile, Paolo ﬁnds himself with a French wife, two Australian children
who call him Papa, and the aforementioned German stewardess with
wedding plans and a growing suspicion that Paolo’s sudden absences

FEBRUARY 15
MUSIC
50 Years of Bossa Nova

RAY CHEN

Page 16 • Thursday, February 13, 2014 • SunPost Weekly •

LEWIS BLACK

Beatriz Malnic, a highly respected interpreter of Bossa Nova
and Samba, will present the history of Bossa Nova in the US.
The words Bossa Nova (New Trend) are synonymous with
Brazilian jazz. More speciﬁcally, they immediately trigger
memories of Bossa Nova's greatest American hit, The Girl From
Ipanema. A lyrical fusion of Samba and Jazz, Bossa Nova acquired a large following in the 1960s initially among young

musicians and students. Since its birth, it has remained a vital part of the standard jazz repertoire. In this performance Beatriz will be accompanied by talented local musicians, including Jorge Sosa on piano, Ivo de Carvalho on guitar, and others. The acclaimed vocal group Brazilian Voices will make a special appearance.
Various Brazilian songs familiar to American audiences like One Note Samba, Desaﬁnado, Aquarela do Brasil,
Bachianas Brasileiras and other hits will be part of this performance. 8pm $34.50 - $39.50. Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St; Aventura. For info: aventuracenter.org

FEBRUARY 15
TV
Wicked Tuna
Meet the Wicked Tuna Crew at the premiere of the new season of this reality show. Wicked Tuna follows a group
of salty ﬁshermen from the nation's oldest seaport, Gloucester, Mass., as they make their living the way it's
been done for centuries – ﬁshing, one catch at a time, all in pursuit of the blueﬁn tuna. One monstah blueﬁn
can be worth more than $20,000, every captain is ﬁghting to be the best in the ﬂeet. Captains at today's premiere include: Captain Dave Marciana, Captain Dave Carraro, Captain Paul Hebert, Captain Tyler McLaughlin, Captain TJ Ott, Captain Bill Monte and Captain Bill Hollywood Muniz. The stakes are higher than ever with
two new captains joining the competition this season and after a shaky start everyone is feeling the pressure.
Tensions rise and egos collide as Gloucester's top ﬁshermen battle the blueﬁns -- and each other. Some captains are out to make a name for themselves, some are seeking revenge and others are struggling to make
ends meet. But when the season ends and the totals are counted, which captain will come out on top? 1pm–
4pm. Colony Theatre, 1040 Lincoln Rd; Miami Beach. For info: colonytheatre.org

FEBRUARY 15
THEATRE
The Love Rule
Ruthie is a young widow who moves back to her hometown to start over after tragedy
and betrayal turn her life upside down. She uncovers more turmoil and confusion as
family secrets, hurts, and fears threaten to destroy the people and relationships she values most. The Love Rule, is a humorous and uplifting Gospel Stage Play about one family's realization that the answers they need are further away than their schemes and
connections can take them. You'll laugh, be inspired, and reﬂect on the one relationship of
life that makes all the others meaningful. 7pm. $20 - $42. Broward Center, 201 SW 5th Ave;
Fort Lauderdale. For info: browardcenter.org

FEBRUARY 15
MUSIC
Blondie
For the last forty years, Blondie has become and still remains a global
phenomenon and true innovators; a punk band from New York City
whose inﬂuence both shaped and continues to inform the worlds of
music, fashion and art. Debbie Harry and Chris Stein have kept their
ears to the ground, creating trends, never following them. They
helped push punk onto the dance ﬂoor at the dawn of the new wave
era and introduced a wider audience to hip-hop sounds, all the
while building a catalog of enduring pop hits along the way which
include Atomic, Heart of Glass, Rapture and Call Me. Blondie's impact
and inﬂuence are undeniable and Harry's persona and the band's
boundary-pushing pop, have shaped the look and sound of many
chart-topping artists who followed in the last three decades.
Their instincts, attitude and style are just as sharp today and to
celebrate their 40th Anniversary, Blondie continues to move forward, with a new two-disc package of music. Blondie 4(0) Ever,
which includes a greatest hits album and a brand new album,
Ghosts of Download, set for release in May 2014. They play the Bleau
Live concert series tonight on the Beach. $175 - $799. 8pm.
Fontainebleau Hilton, 4441 Collins Ave; Miami Beach. For info:
fontainebleau.com or 305-538-2000.

VIVA PARIS

FEBRUARY 15
MUSIC
New Music, Old Sources
Composed in the late '60s for orchestra and eight ampliﬁed voices, Luciano Berio's Sinfonia comes to life
with help from the British singing collective Synergy Vocals. The piece quotes a number of recognizable classical works-from Stravinsky, Ravel and Debussy-as well as literary pieces by Beckett and Joyce, thereby creating a modern collage of familiar texts. Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor. 7:30pm. New World
Center, 500 17 St; Miami Beach. For info: nws.edu

FEBRUARY 15
DANCE
Peter and the Wolf and Insects!
Momentum Dance Company delights young audiences with a perennial children's favorite,
Peter and the Wolf. This classic folk tale with music by Russian composer Sergei Prokoﬁev is
the most popular children's work the company has ever offered. Kids join clever Peter and his
friends the Bird and the Duck as they work together to outwit and capture the ﬁerce Wolf.
Other characters include grumpy Grandfather and the ridiculous Hunters. Each
character is represented by a different instrument of the orchestra and a unique
way of moving. Comedy, drama, suspense and excitement make this work a
must-see experience. Insects is a new work for kids that looks at all sorts of
creepy, crawly creatures through poetry and movement. Meet the Dung Beetle,
the Praying Mantis, the Millipede and more as they go through their kooky
paces set to poems about each critter! Free. 11am. Miami Beach Regional Library, 222 Liberty Ave; Miami Beach. For info: momentumdance.com

FEBRUARY 15
FESTIVAL
Coconut Grove Arts Fest
380 internationally recognized artists rom 39 states and Canada, will display
their pieces for this year’s 51st annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival. Twenty
artists are from the Miami area. Expect to see 2D Mixed Media, Painting,
Photography, Digital Art, Printmaking & Drawing, Watercolor, Claywork,
Glass, Fiber, Jewelry & Metalwork, 3D Mixed Media, Sculpture and Wood. Special
to this year’s Arts Festival is a New & Emerging Artist category, designed to allow ﬁrsttime artists, between the ages of 18 and 29, an opportunity to experience an outdoor, ﬁne arts festival at a minimal cost. Only ﬁve young and talented artists
were invited to participate in this exclusive category. $15. 10am - 6pm. 2700 South
Bayshore Dr; Coconut Grove. For info: cgaf.com.

FEBRUARY 15
BOOKS
How Jews Got Our Last Names
Ever wonder where your last name came from? Why are there so many Jewish Schwartzes, Weisses and Kleins?
Take the ultimate Jewish Genealogy journey through history with author Connie G. Krupin to learn the origins of our Ashkenazi and Sephardic surnames. Discover what names mean, what they tell us about our
great grandparents and what they reveal about ourselves. Her interest in names grew from the passion that
inspired this book. With a belief that every Jewish child deserves to know who they are and that every Jewish parent deserves the tools to teach came the desire to educate Jews as to their unique history and legacy.
Krupin is an artist, author and illustrator of A Time To Be Born: A Jewish Baby Journal, the ﬁrst baby record
and Jewish parent guidebook for all Jewish families, regardless of Jewish background. Krupin will discuss her
book tonight. 8pm. Books and Books, 265 Aragon Ave; Coral Gables. For info: booksandbooks.com

FEBRUARY 16
MUSIC
Dottie Peoples
As a star in the gospel music industry for more than 30 years, Dottie Peoples
is on a level all her own. In celebration of Black History Month, audiences
will get to experience the vibrant energy and gospel sounds of the Song
Bird of the South as she performs with the Miami Mass Choir. Peoples is
considered a staple in the gospel world and the music world as a whole
with top hits such as I Got This, On Time God, and It’s Not Goodbye. She
makes it impossible to resist her voice and continues to encourage and
inspire her fans with uplifting messages in song. 7pm. $35 - $95. Knight
Concert Hall, 1300 Biscayne Blvd; Miami. For info: arshtcenter.org

FEBRUARY 16
MUSIC
The Harvey Nevins Swing Orchestra
Hear your Yiddish favorites in a ﬁnger-snapping, toe-tapping afternoon of Horahs and Klezmer arranged in a
swingin' way! The ﬁnest group The Harvey Nevins Swing Orchestra, of exceptionally talented, world renowned
musicians and female vocalist bring you melodies from traditional eastside New York, Second Avenue and European revivals. An afternoon you will never forget! 2pm. $30. Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th
St; Aventura. 305-466-8002 or aventuracenter.org

FEBRUARY 16
MUSIC
Liza Minnelli - Simply Liza
Liza Minnelli, winner of four Tony Awards, an Oscar, a special Legends Grammy, two Golden
Globe Awards and an Emmy, is one of the entertainment world's consummate performers. In ﬁlm, on stage and in television, she has won critical acclaim, a multitude of fans,
and recognition from her peers in show business, giving new dimension and credibility to the word superstar. Today, when her busy schedule allows, she works with
students at The Actor's Studio teaching master classes in acting and singing. Her
well-known generosity of spirit, enthusiasm and commitment to her craft are
unequaled in the entertainment industry, where she continues to perform to an
ever-growing legion of admirers throughout the world. 7pm. $50. - $135.
Broward Center, 201 SW 5th Ave; Fort Lauderdale. For info: browardcenter.org

FEBRUARY 16
SPORT
Kite Day
Colorful kites of all shapes and sizes will ﬁll the skies over
Haulover Park today for the 21st annual Kite Day. This year’s
event spotlights Boca kite-master Randy Lowe with his new
30-foot ﬂying dragon kite designed by famed German kitemaker Rolf Zimmermann. Catch the display of colossal kites,
including a 150-foot rainbow, a 100-foot squid, a 30-foot
scuba man, a 30-foot Nemo ﬁsh and Kites of the Caribbean
—representing the styles and traditions of Caribbean kite
ﬂyers from such countries as Cuba, Haiti and Trinidad. Expect kite competitions and kite-building classes for all ages,
as well as music, food and refreshments. Kite competitions
will include prizes for the best homemade kites, highest ﬂying kites, prettiest kites, and kites with the longest tails.
Those who may just want to sit and watch the festivities may
bring a blanket. Shoes with socks are recommended for running around on the grassy ﬁeld. Parking $6. Free. 12pm 5pm. Haulover Beach Park, 10800 Collins Ave; Sunny Isles
Beach. For info: 305-893-0906 or skywardkites.com.
AMY SCHUMMER

MOMENTUM DANCE COMPANY

FEBRUARY 16
MUSIC
Ray Chen & Julio Elizalde
Performing at Sunday Afternoons of Music are musicians Ray Chen and Julio Elizalde. Winner of the Queen
Elisabeth Competition and the Yehudi Menuhin Competition, Chen is among the most compelling young
violinists today. His recent performances have enraptured both the audiences and the critics. Chen performed before a worldwide audience at the Nobel Prize Ceremony in Stockholm and recently made his
highly acclaimed Carnegie Hall debut in February 2013. Pianist Elizalde is gaining widespread recognition for his musical depth and creative insight. He has given performances at Carnegie Hall and Alice
Tully Hall. He made his New York City concerto debut performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 25 in C
major, K. 503 with the Juilliard Orchestra. 4pm. $35. Gusman Hall, 1314 Miller Dr; Coral Gables. For info:
sundaymusicals.org or 305-279-3007.

FEBRUARY 18
COMEDY
Inside Amy Schumer's Back Door
Amy Schumer is is the creator, star and writer of Inside Amy Schumer, her Comedy Central television show
which premiered in 2013. She is coming off her one-hour stand-up special, Mostly Sex Stuff, which became
Comedy Central’s second-highest rated special this year. She was one of the featured comedians on Comedy
Central’s Roast of Roseanne, following her breakout performance on the 2011 Roast of Charlie Sheen. Amy was
most recently on Louie and in Season 2 of HBO’s Girls. She had a recurring role on Season 3 of Adult Swim’s
Delocated and guest starred in the latest season of Curb Your Enthusiasm. In 2011 she ﬁlmed the feature Seeking a Friend for the End of the World starring Steve Carrell and Kiera Knightley and Price Check, an independent
feature opposite Parker Posey which premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. Her album Cutting placed
in the top 5 of the Billboard Charts and has been included on multiple Best Comedy Albums of the Year awards’
lists. 8pm. $37.50 - $45. Ziff Ballet Opera House, 1300 Biscayne Blvd; Miami. For info: arshtcenter.org

FEBRUARY 18
BOOKS
Charlie Crist - The Party's Over
Charlie Crist, the former Republican governor of Florida, spent years in the party’s inner circle. In this noholds-barred memoir, he shows why he switched sides and became a Democrat. After serving as a Republican governor—one who was on the short list for the vice presidency in 2008—Crist made headlines
when he decided to run for the U.S. Senate as an Independent. He was on the front page again when he
endorsed President Obama in 2012 and spoke at the Democratic National Convention—and yet again
when he ofﬁcially joined the Democratic Party later that year. In The Party’s Over, he’ll make even more
news when he reveals: The inside story of his 2010 Senate primary campaign against Marco Rubio, where
he learned exactly how vicious the Republican leadership can be. His journey from inner circle to persona

non grata. His very frank opinions on Rubio, Jeb Bush, Mitt Romney, Sarah Palin, and other top-tier Republicans. Why he believes that Democrats have the right vision for Florida and the nation. What he’s
learned as a member of both parties and why he remains convinced that the two-party system can still
work—with the right leadership. Crist offers a focused indictment of the failings of the Republican Party,
naming names and identifying where things went wrong. You must purchase a copy of The Party's Over to
enter the signing line. 7pm. Books & Books, 927 Lincoln Rd; Miami Beach. for info: booksandbooks.com

FEBRUARY 18
LECTURE
Leaning In: Spiritual Growth and Women’s Leadership
Dr. Erica Brown, Scholar-in-Residence for the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, directs the Jewish
Leadership Institute. Brown is a faculty member of the Wexner Foundation, a Jerusalem Fellow, Avi Chai
Foundation Fellow and 2009 recipient of the Covenant Award for her work in education. She lectures and
writes widely on subjects of Jewish interest and leadership, including regular columns for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency and the New York Jewish Week and blogs for Psychology Today. Free. 7pm - 9pm. Jewish Museum of Florida, 301 Washington Ave; Miami Beach. For info:

FEBRUARY 19
FILM
Much Ado About Nothing
Free outdoor movies every Wednesday night are in full swing with The SoundScape Cinema Series at the
Miami Beach SoundScape ExoStage. This week's ﬂick is Much Ado About Nothing. Directed by Joss Whedon. With Alexis Denisof, Amy Acker, Fran Kranz, Jillian Morgese. A modern retelling of Shakespeare's
classic comedy about two pairs of lovers with different takes on romance and a way with words. Bring a
blanket or beach chair and picnic. No glass please. 8pm. Free. Exostage at Miami Beach SoundScape, 500
17 St; Miami Beach. For info: mbculture.com

FEBRUARY 19
MUSIC
Trisha Yearwood
Don't miss your chance to spend an evening with country music superstar Trisha Yearwood. Capping off a
hit list of nine, number one songs and twenty top-ten hits, vocal powerhouse Yearwood brings down the
house performing her perennial favorites including, She's in Love With the Boy, Wrong Side of Memphis XXX's and
OOO's (An American Girl), Walkaway Joe and How Do I Live. Slant magazine raves, "Yearwood has been one of,
if not the, best singers in any popular genre, with a combination of technical power and range, an intuitive,
thoughtful command of phrasing, and a real sense of presence." As one of the highest-selling female artists
in country music history, Yearwood has earned three Grammy Awards, three Country Music Association
Awards and two Academy of Country Music Awards (she's also a two-time New York Times bestselling cookbook author and Food Network star). Yearwood can do it all! 8pm. $42 - $200. Broward Center, 201 SW 5th
Ave; Fort Lauderdale. For info: browardcenter.org
www.miamisunpost.com • SunPost Weekly • Thursday, February 13, 2014 • Page 19

Calendar
WHAT TO DO IN TOWN THIS WEEK

ANDREA BOCELLI

FEBRUARY 19
BOOKS
How to Use a Meat Cleaver

FEBRUARY 20
MUSIC
Total Freedom

Food this good should be illegal. Mob Wives, VH1's wildly successful hit show, follows the lives of six women
afﬁliated with the mob. Now, show creator and Executive Producer Jennifer Graziano, star Renee Graziano,
and their restaurateur sister, Lana Graziano, reveal their best-kept secrets yet. The Grazianos invite you into
their world but this time through the kitchen door, with this full color cookbook featuring 100 of their favorite and most-coveted family recipes. From Lana's famous meatballs to Sunday Gravy to Lobster Arriagiatta, the secret recipes are on the table. Plus, the book is spiced throughout with personal never-before-told
stories that will let you get to know the most famous real mob family a little better. Experience their
lives from inside their kitchen where food and family are never far apart. Funny, outrageous, sentimental, and always authentic, the Grazianos leave you with the skills to talk the talk, cook
pasta like there's no tomorrow, stir up a mean marinara—and use that meat cleaver to
back it up. Meet them tonight when they discuss and sign their book. 7pm. Books and
Books, 927 Lincoln Rd; Miami Beach. For info: booksandbooks.com

Every third Thursday evening, PAMM brings together an eclectic range of internationally-acclaimed DJs and
musicians for an outdoor music series on the terrace by the bay. This month, Los Angeles-based producer and
artist Total Freedom performs. As an artist, DJ, and conceptual party-maker, Total Freedom (aka Ashland
Mines) has been integral to some of the most exciting things to come out of LA’s underground art and music
scene over the past few years. Hailed for a seamless ability to unite a huge spectrum of contrasting sounds,
his repertoire spans minimalized R&B reﬁxes and Middle Eastern pop samples, to obscure narrative soundbites and elements of trap, UK grime, and Kuduro. He draws listeners into a whirlwind of ever-evolving texture and sensation. Unafraid to assault crowds with jarring shifts in mood and tempo, in
his hands, R&B-concrète collides with rap, grime and ballroom house, while sung vocals
abruptly dissolve into swamps of syrupy, dragged-out noise swells. As akin to real-time sonic
collage as typical dance music DJing, his free-associative approach places recogniseable
hip hop and R&B glimpses within abrasive, rhythmically distorting sonic space, making the familiar thrillingly unfamiliar. 6pm - 9pm. PAMM, 1103 Biscayne Blvd; Miami.
For info: pamm.org or 305-375-3000

FEBRUARY 20
DANCE
Alvin Ailey
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, beloved as one of the world’s most
popular dance companies, returns to Miami as part of a 24-city United
States tour. In his third season as Artistic Director, Miami’s own Robert
Battle continues to expand the Company’s diverse repertory with premieres from a wide range of important choreographers that give Ailey’s extraordinary dancers new ways to inspire audiences, including celebrated
dance storyteller Ronald K. Brown’s uplifting Four Corners, multi award-winning British choreographer Wayne McGregor’s Chroma, and modern dance
innovator Bill T. Jones’ joyful tour-de-force D-Man in the Waters. Alvin Ailey’s
Revelations, an American masterpiece acclaimed as a must-see for everyone, will
be the stirring ﬁnale for all ﬁve performances. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
inspires all in a universal celebration of the human spirit using the African-American cultural experience and the American modern dance tradition. $35 - $120. 8pm.
Ziff Ballet Opera House, 1300 Biscayne Blvd; Miami. For info: arshtcenter.org

FEBRUARY 20
MUSIC
Megan Hilty with Seth Rudetsky
Breakout star Megan Hilty recently starred as the seasoned triple-threat Ivy Lynn in NBC's
musical drama Smash. She now appears on NBC's new comedy Sean Saves the World as
Sean Hayes' loyal friend Liz. Hilty made her Broadway debut as Glinda in Wicked and received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Doralee Rhodes in Broadway's 9 to 5: The Musical, for which she was honored with nominations. Don't miss the fun as she shoots the
breeze, dishes the dirt and raise the roof performing a host of classic Broadway songs with
Sirius XM Radio Star and pianist Seth Rudetsky. 8pm. $51.50 - $126.50. Parker Playhouse,
Parker Playhouse, 707 NE 8th St; Fort Lauderdale. For info: parkerplayhouse.com
Page 20 • Thursday, February 12, 2014 • SunPost Weekly • www.miamisunpost.com

FEBRUARY 20
BOOKS
The Invention of Wings
From the celebrated author of The Secret Life of Bees, comes a magniﬁcent novel, The Invention of Wings, about two unforgettable
American women. Writing at the height of her narrative and
imaginative gifts, Sue Monk Kidd presents a masterpiece of
hope, daring, the quest for freedom, and the desire to have a
voice in the world. Hetty Handful Grimke, an urban slave in
early nineteenth century Charleston, yearns for life beyond the
suffocating walls that enclose her within the wealthy Grimke household. The Grimke’s daughter, Sarah, has known from an early age she is
meant to do something large in the world, but she is hemmed in by the limits imposed on women. Kidd’s sweeping novel is set in motion on Sarah’s eleventh birthday,
when she is given ownership of ten year old Handful, who is to be her handmaid. We follow their remarkable journeys over the next thirty ﬁve years, as both strive for a life of their
own, dramatically shaping each other’s destinies and forming a complex relationship
marked by guilt, deﬁance, estrangement and the uneasy ways of love. This exquisitely written novel is a triumph of storytelling that looks with unswerving eyes at a devastating wound
in American history, through women whose struggles for liberation, empowerment, and expression will leave no reader unmoved. Kidd will discuss her book tonight. 7pm. Temple Beth
Am, 5950 SW 88th St; Miami. For info: booksandbooks.com
MEGAN HILTY

It has often been noted that the Academy Awards have a casual relationship with excellence, even in years
when there’s a wealth of cinematic riches from which members can select. Consequently, it was frustrating to
read the final roster of Oscar hopefuls announced with much fanfare and media coverage on Jan. 17. How could
such an exciting movie year as 2013 yield nominations so … dull?
Pleasant surprises were in short supply – hello, Cutie and the Boxer – and some of the usual suspects were
deservedly well represented. (I’m looking at you 12 Years a Slave team. Godspeed.) I have a nagging feeling the
Academy won’t be able to resist favoring tasteful middlebrow fare in several key categories. If, for instance, The
Hunt winds up beating The Great Beauty for Foreign Language Feature, my howls of disapproval will be heard
as far away as Tinseltown. (Don’t even think about it, voters.)
Which is why I turn to you, shorts filmmakers, to spice up the proceedings a bit. Here was an ideal opportunity for the Academy to highlight burgeoning talent with a fresh, unique perspective on the seventh art. Now
that I’ve seen all 10 nominees for Live Action and Animated Shorts, it’s safe to conclude, a few exceptions notwithstanding, that the Academy has blown it. Again.
Take the contenders vying for Animated Short, an Oscar already signed, sealed and delivered with Get a
Horse!’s name on the plaque. Here I was naively hoping at least one or two of the Disney short’s fellow nominees would give it a run for its money. Not to say I’m not excited for director Lauren MacMullan (The Simpsons),
who pays homage to pre-Steamboat Willie Mickey Mouse and gives the beloved character an intriguing intertextual
spin. The film initially comes across as a long-lost silent cartoon in the tradition of Plane Crazy and Gallopin’
Gaucho, faithfully adhering to Uncle Walt’s tried-and-true formula: Mickey woos Minnie, Peg Leg Pete comes
along to snatch her away, delightful slapstick ensues. Just before the halfway point, however, the characters
begin breaking through the movie screen Purple Rose in Cairo style, and the stereoscopic, self-referential antics
bring to mind Who Framed Roger Rabbit, only updated for 21st Century consumption. The short occasionally
comes across as exceedingly mechanical, as MacMullan skillfully orchestrates action on both the black and
white rear screen and the comin’-at-ya front portion in color and eye-popping 3D. The iconic critters’ charm,
though, wins the day in spectacular fashion.
Millions of moviegoers have already seen Get a Horse!, which precedes Frozen, a box office juggernaut still
going strong at the multiplex. But what about the other four, lesser known shorts? Will voters be swayed by the
mechanized boy-and-his dog yarn that is Mr Hublot? Not likely, though the short, while a tad on the tame and
cutesy side, is fairly easy to take. In a retro-futuristic world run by robots who look like they’re made out of
kitchen appliances and discarded metal, an OCD-afflicted resident spots an abandoned, equally metallic puppy
on the recently sold building across the street. But he’s so anal about his spic-and-span apartment. Could his
spotless cocoon withstand a faux canine presence? Director Laurent Witz appears to be heading towards a realistic, tough-minded finale, but he can’t bear denying viewers a saccharine resolution that effectively declaws this
otherwise genial portrait.
In an aesthetic 180-degree turn from Witz’s character study, Feral, which boasts a visual style that looks like
charcoal images vividly brought to life, is a dark, haunting tale of a wild child, apparently raised by wolves, who
is discovered by a hunter and brought to live in civilized society. Is he ready to be domesticated? Are his classmates prepared to welcome him as one of their own? Don’t expect any Kumbaya hand-holding from director
Daniel Sousa, whose atmospheric style embraces its protagonist’s dark soul.
Possessions , a ghost story from Japan, applies the surreal, loopy aesthetic of Hayao Miyazaki circa Spirited
Away to haunted-house tropes reminiscent of the Grudge movies. A handyman out in the woods seeks shelter in
what appears to be an abandoned cottage, but is actually a lair for restless spirits who submit the unwitting drifter
to different sets of challenges tailor made for his “Mr. Fix-Anything” skills. Shuhei Morita’s dreamscapes are
dazzlingly drawn, until the abrupt, anticlimactic denouement. A worthwhile entry in this category nevertheless.
Finally, there’s Room on the Broom, the latest grade-school friendly offering from British animation studio
Magic Light Pictures, which follows the elemental, scavenger-hunt structure of their previous Oscar nominee The
Gruffalo. A witch (Gillian Anderson) and her cat (Rob Brydon) keep meeting different animals who all want –
wait for it – a space on her broom, but every time she agrees to take on a new passenger, she loses a personal
item she has to go look for with her newfound buddies. I might be biased here, since I find this studio’s character designs and simplistic dialogue singularly unappealing, but the potential for directors Jan Lachauer and
Max Lang to deliver something special is quite palpable, particularly considering they managed to nab Simon
Pegg as their narrator. At 25 minutes, though, my goodwill ran out long before the toothless finale. It failed to
bewitch me.
Not feeling the mixed bag that are this year’s animated shorts? Their live action counterparts are even
more uneven. The gooey, Hallmark Channel-ready Helium, which chronicles the fierce bond that develops between a hospital janitor and a terminally ill child, has its heart in the right place, but the flights of fancy direcPage 22 • Thursday, February 13, 2014 • SunPost Weekly • www.miamisunpost.com

POSSESSIONS

tor Anders Walter inelegantly rams down your throat are eyeroll-inducing. That goes double for Spain’s socialproblem-lecture stinker That Was Not Me, which takes a hamfisted look at child soldiers in Africa and the legacy
of violence one of them struggles to overcome. (Steer clear, Academy voters. I mean it.)
If That Was Not Me is way too heavy-handed, the 7-minute trifle Do I Have to Take Care of Everything? barely
justifies its 7-minute running time. The story of a disheveled Finnish family that oversleep and are then forced
to hustle to make it to a friend’s wedding starts out promisingly, but then wallows in head-scratching awkwardness. A far wittier comic short, The Voorman Problem features the ubiquitous Martin Freeman as a psychiatrist hired by prison officials to verify whether an inmate who claims to be a god (Tom Hollander) who claims
to be tasked with “ongoing maintenance of the universe” is a nutcase or a pathological liar. Ah, director Mark
Gill teasingly suggests, there’s always the off chance he might actually be the real thing. Based on an except from
a book by Cloud Atlas author David Mitchell, this wry treat is the one to beat for the golden statuette.
If I were to pick my favorite, though, it would be the French white-knuckle drama Just Before Losing Everything, which gradually introduces a mother in her early 40s (Léa Drucker) and her children as they come to the
supermarket where she works. Who are they running away from? And why? Director Xavier Legrand’s engrossing short starts out in loose fashion, but stick with it, because he methodically begins doling out answers, tightening the screws on the characters and his audience. It showcases the kind of filmmaking chops I wished were
more abundant among this year’s nominees.
So what if most of these shorts are, in effect, calling card films? Nothing wrong with that, as long as these
fresh new faces don’t go on to sell out to the studio machine. I’m going to keep a very close eye on Juan Carlos
Maneglia and Tana Schembori, the directors of the kinetic Paraguayan thriller 7 Cajas (7 Boxes), which begins
a one-week run at the Coral Gables Art Cinema starting Feb. 14. A punchy, tightly paced, against-the-clock narrative kicks off when Victor (Celso Franco), a wheelbarrow delivery boy with dreams of stardom, is given half
of a torn-off $100 bill at the butcher shop of the market where he works. He is told he will receive the other half
if he agrees to cart around the titular containers for a while. Sounds doable enough, only these boxes’ contents
appear to draw local police, thieves and Nelson (Víctor Sosa), a rival wheelbarrow carrier who narrowly missed
scoring the lucrative gig.
There isn’t much depth to the large assortment of hapless working stiffs Maneglia and Schembori have assembled, but what what raises this rudimentary tale above countless other Run Lola Run wannabes is the filmmakers’ strong sense of time (April of 2005) and place (a market in Asunción). They’ve made a bare-bones
chase movie – with sudden bursts of gunplay – genuinely interested in exploring the lives of the working poor,
not just their financial hardships, but their goals and ambitions. Victor wants to be that face on TV in the action
hero role, and Liz (Lali Gonzalez), the pesky local who becomes his accidental accomplice, just wants to matter in the teen’s life.
The implausibilities and all-too-convenient coincidences pile up in 7 Cajas, particularly in the overwrought
last 15 minutes, but Maneglia and Schembori manage to turn their logistical limitations into virtues. Just don’t
go signing on the dotted line for the next Jason Statham vehicle just yet, guys.
The Academy Award nominees for Animation and Live Action are now showing at the Miami Beach Cinematheque (mbcinema.com), The Bill Cosford Cinema (cosfordcinema.com) and O Cinema (o-cinema.org).
Join me online on Oscar night, March 2, as I live tweet the Academy Awards (@rubenros on Twitter). Be very
afraid.

Mattress Town

Four Decades of Quality Service
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’Tis the season in Miami, a little warmer than usual, but still the time of year when
music venues, art galleries, outdoor cafes and a multitude of festivals are buzzing with
activity.
This past Thursday, Philip Ross Munro Gallery’s February Heart Show featured an extensive showing of a lifetime’s worth of photographs, paintings and multi media series.
A few of this prolific artist’s series include hearts, ancient Roman Madonna-inspired faces,
and spectacular underwater nudes. During the last twenty years Munro has shot underwater images in natural bodies of water; using uncontrolled situations and everyday people instead of professional models. This production reveals the artist as a ‘Documentarist’:
an observer of mind / body relationships to circumstance. He chronicles the nuances of
human comprehension and situation, exposing sensuality in a delicate balance. For a
schedule of upcoming shows and/or private viewing contact: PRMFineArtist@gmail.com
Friday’s Happy Hour at Will Call, (4-8p) with half price drinks and inexpensive bar
food provided us with fantastic live music by Electric Kif, Miami’s own groove jazz and
funk, instrumental band featuring Eric Escanes, lead guitarist, Rodrigo Zambrano, bass,
Jason Matthews, keyboard and Armando Lopez, drums. Electric Kif is working on their current CD which will be out this summer. This is not your average happy hour background
music, rather more of a rev-you -up-band, and most definitely a jumping off point for
the weekend. The stage is visible from any seat at Will Call’s enormous bar, however, when
the bar seating is filled, and it will be once the word is out on the well priced goods and
free but stellar music to accompany them, cafe tables and chairs front and center of the
band are available.
Just a stone’s throw out the back door of Will Call is Primary Projects, a multidisciplinary project space that explores and promotes multiple forms of aesthetic expression
from established and emerging artists. Last Friday the gallery presented artist Magnus Sodamin’s Into The Rainbow Vein. A a debut solo exhibition exploring the twilight between
nature and the cosmos. Magnus means “great” in Latin, which is fitting for each of Sodamin’s colossal canvases and grand trip for the eye and the mind’s eye. One can stand
in front of a Sodamin painting and feel consumed by color and aspect, certainly a trip
worth taking.
If you step off the usual path of N.W. 2nd Avenue during Art Walk, you will find a trove
of hidden treasures deep in the pockets of Wynwood, some well established galleries like
Ricart Gallery which opened it’s latest exhibition Saturday night with “Curiosity Killed The
Cat” featuring photographers Tiziano Magni, and Carter B. Smith.
Magni, a well respected fashion photographer for the past twenty years, was the first
to photograph Kate Moss during her ad campaign for Calvin Klein with Mark Wahlberg.
His larger than life photographs shot in the days of film, are a collection of nudes, many
of them then and now famous models. The beauty of Magni’s female life forms, uninhibited, and uncluttered with peripheral subjects, are stunning.
Smith’s collection, a bit more voyeuristic is a “personal exploration navigating
through this hyper-accelerated reality fueled by fame, sex, decimated nature, curious
geometries and getting lost in the frivolity of it all.” Unlike Magni’s premeditated style developed through the world of fashion, Smith’s style is the complete opposite. His photographs are more or less a spontaneous capture of the camera always at arm’s reach,
developed through his generational experience as a music video director of leading artists.
At first glance, Smith’s content is raw and somewhat shocking, but after a moment, one
is pulled in, albeit through a voyeuristic curiosity.
Page 24 • Thursday, February 13, 2014 • SunPost Weekly • www.miamisunpost.com

Ashland Mines is one of LA’s leading voices in club
music reconceptualization. The parties he’s helped organize (including the legendary WILDNESS, which last
year became the subject of an award-winning documentary) and the artists he’s worked with (including
Fade To Mind‘s Kingdom and Nguzunguzu, GHE20
G0th1k’s Venus X, and artists Ryan Trecartin and Thunder Horse Video) have spawned audio oddities and
multimedia dance extravaganzas that are as warped as
they are eye-and-ear ensnaring.
Why have you not released any of your own work?
In terms of club music, I haven’t ever released anything besides remixes. As far as my own work or collaborations goes, it’s nothing like what most people
think of Total Freedom sounding like. It’s more like
noise music.
So why haven’t you released that? Non-interest, or
more like you’re over that side of yourself?
It’s not hidden anywhere, really… there’s some
stuff on my Soundclick account. I have some stuff I
made with a guy in Chicago around 2003 or so. On my
Soundcloud it’s more noise mixed with clubby, dance
music-based stuff.
Do you feel like it’s something you might explore
again?
I don’t think that far ahead, really. There’s not a goal in front of me about what I’m making. Things
just happen.
So, what’s happening now?
I just played a show the other night with my friend Why Be. We’ve done some stuff before, and we
were talking about doing a remix for the first Night Slugs/Fade To Mind joint release. That’s planned
for later this year. I really enjoy collaborating. Last year I put out a compilation with this punk label
Teenage Teardrops. They wanted to do something outside of their normal game, and came to me because they thought I was some kind of voice in the dance music world—or the aspect of that world
that they’re interested in anyway. We ended up releasing a double-LP called Blasting Voice. I took tracks
from friends like Jaws, Massacoormaan, Diamond Black Hearted Boy… some old but a lot of new stuff
too. As far as a dance record goes it’s a minor failure because there’s only like three songs that are
danceable on it. A lot of it is more on the experimental side. It’s still a beautiful record, and it’s sold out
anyway so don’t try to get it.
Why did you decide not to release a digital edition once the vinyl sold out?
I made a big point not to. It was a labor of love and very expensive to produce, and even though
it did sell out, it was only a run of 300. But I wanted people to know that it was this finite thing that
wouldn’t be available forever. I don’t even have a copy, actually.

Was it difficult curating something like that? Did you feel like you had to present a certain ‘picture’?
I did feel like I had to make the right choices. That’s why it took me almost a year! Most of the music
I was familiar with because it was from people in my life, but it was still hard to make those decisions.
You’re really limited to what you can put on a vinyl record, so you have to chose carefully. Now that
I’ve done it, though, I’m excited about working on the next one. That’s what I’m doing now, working
on Blasting Voice II. I don’t know if it will be a double LP again, though, because that was intense in
terms of cost and production.
Are you going to do a similar format—this combination of dance and experimental?
The idea in my head is that it will all be based around solid club-worthy dance tracks, or at least
club-adjacent, with a few shorter experimental vignettes built around them. I’ve been getting some really cool submissions from friends for it. I feel like it’s a bit early to talk about; there’s no due date yet
but I’m really excited about what we’ve put together so far. I think it won’t be what people expect.
You like surprising people.
I’m all about doing the unexpected. ~
TO GO: Total Freedom will play at PAMM on Thursday, February 20. 6pm - 9pm. PAMM, 1103 Biscayne Blvd; Miami. For info: pamm.org or 305-375-3000.

As Art Wynwood prepares to mount its third edition February 13-17, 2014, the distinctive contemporary art fair produced by Art Miami LLC is strengthening its commitment to
the growing underground art movement that has brought internationally renowned street artists to its namesake neighborhood. The fair reflects the dynamic environment of
Miami’s burgeoning Wynwood Arts District, which over the
last decade has become the hub of South Florida’s contemporary art scene. Art Wynwood 2014 will feature 70 international galleries showing emerging, cutting-edge,
contemporary and modern works alongside street artists,
whose art has gained recognition in the mainstream, and are
represented by important dealers worldwide.
The fair’s run will once again span the long holiday weekend of Presidents Day and coincide with the 26th edition of
the prestigious Miami International Yacht & Brokerage Show
(located less than five miles from the Art Wynwood pavilion),
which transforms Miami Beach’s legendary Collins Avenue
into a multi-million dollar promenade of yachts and draws an
upscale audience from around the globe. The second edition
of Art Wynwood attracted more than 26,500 art collectors, curators and connoisseurs during its five-day run.
Since the fair’s inception in 2012, a central feature has
been its highlight of street art, murals, pop surrealism and
other urban art genres from the contemporary underground
movement. By presenting these cutting-edge forms in a refined atmosphere alongside contemporary artworks in a
broad range of mediums and styles, Art Wynwood is perfectly
positioned to advance the growing worldwide recognition of
this movement.
“We are excited to produce the third edition of Art Wynwood over Presidents Day Weekend. Miami’s
Wynwood Art District is a vibrant cultural “must see” international destination for collectors, art lovers
and pop culture enthusiasts who visit or call South Florida home, during the busiest holiday weekend
in Miami. With the rapid recovery of the Miami real estate market and the continued success of the contemporary art market, we are very confident that our participating Art Wynwood dealers will have the
opportunity to meet and service a new group of international collectors that are only present in South
Florida during the month of February,” said Art Wynwood Director Nick Korniloff.Jessica Goldman,
CEO of Goldman Properties, is again aligning with Art Wynwood and will sponsor various art installations at the Art Wynwood pavilion, and is commissioning three murals for the VIP Lounge which
will be created by top street artists (to be named at a later date) in the days leading up to the fair. The
partnership with Art Miami LLC was forged in 2012 with the late Tony Goldman, an avid collector of
street art and pioneer of historical preservation through real estate development, who recognized the
potential of Wynwood’s edgy urban streetscape and was a driving force in its evolution into an arts district. The area’s warehouses were already attracting graffiti artists, and the provocative murals by the
world’s most important international street artists that Goldman Properties commissioned for its buildings and in its popular park Wynwood Walls, and set an energetic tone for the increasingly diverse galleries, restaurants and shops lining the sidewalks.
Page 28 • Thursday, February 13, 2014 • SunPost Weekly • www.miamisunpost.com

Art Wynwood is further expanding its international
influence with a collaboration with Cash, Cans & Candy,
an international festival of street art from Vienna, Austria.
Curator Katrin-Sophie Dworczak of Cash, Cans & Candy
has lined up a global who’s who of street artists to create
original works onsite. Artists include Douglas Hoekzeman
and Brandon Opalka, both Miami locals; Stinkfish of
Colombia / Mexico; The Stencil Network and Alexis Diaz
of Puerto Rico; Stephen Tompkins of Cleveland.
“The underground art movement has evolved into an
internationally recognized art phenomenon,” continues
Korniloff. “I am very thankful to my friend Ernst Hilger
for our collaboration with Vienna- based Cash, Cans &
Candy which underscores this worldwide cultural movement and gives graffiti artists their own platform among
other contemporary artists. Additionally I am grateful to
Jessica Goldman of Goldman Properties for her continuing commitment to the thriving Wynwood Arts District.”
JW Marriott Marquis in downtown Miami, also a sponsor of CC & C, will host a pop-up installation of select artwork in the hotel lobby during the fair. db Bistro located
in the hotel will host an exclusive cocktail reception for
the participating galleries, artists and their guests on Feb.
16.
The collaborative commissions by Art Wynwood and
Cash, Cans & Candy will also draw attention to works displayed by exhibitors throughout the fair. Artists represented by participating galleries will be eligible for the
inaugural Art Wynwood Street Artist Award, which will recognize those who stand out from their peers due to their
unique style, fine craftsmanship and incisive social commentary. By honoring those talents who represent the best in their field, this award will underscore how the qualities that render street art so accessible and relevant to the public at large also make it essential viewing for the art world cognoscenti.
A jury of accomplished and widely respected experts on street art will select a small group of finalists
before the fair and ultimately a winner to be announced onsite. The prize package is valued at $15,000
and will include a cash award for the artist, complimentary booth space for the gallery at Art Wynwood
2015, and additional exposure through media and exhibition opportunities. Galleries confirmed or interested in showing at Art Wynwood are encouraged to nominate up to three artists whom they represent. Applications must be received by Jan. 30: more details on eligibility and submission requirements
can be found at www.art- wynwood.com.
Reflecting this openness to new ideas and imagery, Art Wynwood offers the enthusiast and seasoned
art world traveler alike a unique opportunity to explore, learn and collect what is fast becoming one
of the most significant art movements of our time. While Art Wynwood has its own distinct identity and
design, it shares the commitment to presenting the highest level of contemporary art in a luxurious
yet accessible environment that is a hallmark of all the fairs in the expanding Art Miami family.
Forinfo: art-wynwood.com, email info@art-wynwood.com.

Michelle Bernstein is a seasoned culinary veteran who runs three restaurants with husband
David Martinez in South Flrida: a “luxurious comfort food” restaurant called Michy’s and a
bakery/café called Crumb on Parchment both in
Miami and Malcolm's in Palm Beach.
Since the pivotal Mango Gang era in the late
‘80s and early ‘90s, almost no other Miami chef has
made as big a splash on the national culinary scene
as Bernstein. A Miami native of Jewish and Latin descent, this passionate culinaire has dazzled diners
and critics alike with her sublime cuisine and a personality as bright and vibrant as the Florida sun.
“My food is luxurious but approachable,” says Bernstein, a James Beard Award winner (Best Chef South
2007) and author of Cuisine a Latina
At what point did you know that you would
work with food for a living, and did you consider
other careers?
I started as a prima ballerina, then I went to
school for biochemistry and nutrition. I started the
kitchen thing to improve my nutritional knowledge,
not knowing I would absolutely fall in love with
things like duck confit, foie gras and pizza dough.
Just everything. I never really thought I had a place
in a kitchen, being a woman, being more delicate,
soft spoken – not that I am now – but I was at the
time. I didn’t think I’d find a place in the kitchen. I
didn’t know that was a possibility, so it didn’t come
until working in kitchens for a couple years and really feeling the flack from the guys and feeling like
I didn’t belong lit a fire that I never knew was there.
Then I became a beast. I think I’m ready. I think I
want to try this.
What made you flip the switch?
The animosity. Definitely. The pressure. Everybody telling me that it could never happen.
Where were you working at the time?
I was working at a place called Mark’s Place. It
was a restaurant in the ’90s that was the best restau-

rant in Miami. And it wasn’t the chef. Nor was it the
chef de cuisine. Nor was it the sous chef. It was
everybody below. It was people at my level, and I was
really pretty low level. It was those people that made
me feel that way. It was my peers, the guys that were
my age. I was 19. They made me feel pretty bad. By
the time I was 22 or 23, I was always told, “You’re
never going to be a chef.” I always accepted that. I
always said, “Okay, that’s cool.” Then, one day, when
I finally wised up, I said, “Why not? What do you
have that I don’t have, other than physical
strength?” So I kind of answered my own question.
What does a dish have to be for you to serve it
at one of your restaurants, and how does that differ
between restaurants?
It just has to taste really good. In Miami, we
have Latin palates, normally, or very European
palates. If something doesn’t have a real strong effect on you, it’s really not worth putting out in the
kitchen. The look to my dishes are pretty natural.
They’re not very fussy at all. I really love to play with
textures, and I really love to play with flavors. For
example, for my chorizo & chocolate cremeaux, I
made a tuile with a sourdough and chorizo sandwich. Then I had jellies on there. I love to play, so it
has to have a little whimsy, and it just has to taste
delicious.
Who else do you like to in the restaurant industry for inspiration, guidance or advice?
Everybody. I’m a French trained chef, and sadly,
my mentor passed away quite a few years ago. The
guys actually tasted his food back when I told them
to, years ago. Daniel Boulud has been really lovely
to me, always. Whenever I’ve needed advice, I actually can call on him. Bobby Flay, who’s a really nice
person, and a lot of people can’t tell from TV. He’s always been there if I’ve ever needed anything. [Tom]
Colicchio. I wouldn’t bother them, I would never interfere, because they’re busy people, but if I really,
really needed something, I would call.

When people hear the name Michelle Bernstein,
what do you want them to think?
I don’t think anybody knows who I am at this

point. That I’m a nice person, I guess. Yeah, she
cooks some good meals. She’s a good girl, and hopefully I’m a good mother.

The Russian Mule
A Nod to the Olympics
A crisp twist on the Moscow Mule served with cucumber infused
Vodka. It's such a refreshing drink, perfect for a warm, summer night!
It now competes with my longstanding favorite, the mojito!

DIRECTIONS
In a shaker, muddle slices of cucumber with juice from one lime. Add
vodka, mint leaves, and a couple cubes of ice. Shake for about 20 seconds and
pour into a glass. Copper mugs are traditionally used for Moscow Mules, but they're not completely
necessary. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a slice of cucumber, lime, and a sprig of mint.

Bartenders’ Guild Legacy
Coctail Showcase Final
Winner Will Advance to Global Finals
The fourth annual USBG National Cocktail Showcase Finals sponsored by Bacardi
at the Ocean Lawn at Fountainebleau Hotel will challenge winners from the regional
showcases across the U.S. to demonstrate the versatility of Bacardi Superior by creating
unique and innovative cocktail recipes. The winner will represent the United States in
the global finals in May.
The fun begins on Tuesday, February 18th. The Legacy Cocktail Showcase begins at
7pm until 9:30pm. Stick around for the Legacy Celebration from 9:30pm to Midnight.
Contestants are: Kevin Beary, Ran Duan, Issac Grillo, Joshua Hendrix, Erica Naomi
Levy, Andrew Meltzer, Nicholas Nistico, Roberto Rafael Rose Regueira, Brian L Sturgulewski, Julie Renee Williams and Trent Williams.
The USBG Legacy Cocktail Showcase sponsored by Bacardi rum is an opportunity
for the best contemporary bartenders to become immortalized through a creative expression of rum, inspiring the next generation of classic rum cocktails that will become
as revered as the Bacardi Mojito and Bacardi Daiquirí. Classic cocktails are defined by
their balance, flavor, quality of ingredients and aesthetic appeal, as well as their enduring popularity and the story behind them.
Ocean Lawn at Fountainebleau Hotel, 4441 Collins Ave; Miami Beach. Attendees
must RSVP to Dana.Moody@zenogroup.com by 5pm on Tuesday, February 18th.

Best Cuban Food on Miami Beach
Live Entertainment on Thursday and Friday Nights
Indoor or Garden Dining Take-Out and Delivery Available

Enjoy dining at one of Miami
Beach’s premier Cuban cuisine
restaurants. This is a place
where you can enjoy traditional Cuban fare and
some delicious new
variations on classic
dishes. Sazón is a
restaurant for the entire family.

A fine selection of wines
and a Full Bar.
Ask for the “Sazón Mojito”
you will love it.

MIAMI
NI.DO. Caffe & Mozzarella Bar
7295 Biscayne Blvd. Miami. 305-960-7022
nidocaffe.com
Try their wonderful house-made mozzarellas, like burrata or affumicata (smoked), accompanied by beet, orange and endive. Also a must try as a starter is the
pumpkin soup and for a main do not miss the squid
ink linguini with seafood. Legenderey! The space is relaxed and comfortable with lounging couches. An excellent spot to have a coffee and torta del giorno.
Casa Mia Trattoria
1950 NE 123rd St. North Miami. 305-899-2770
Local neighborhood vibe from this tiny Trattoria in
North Miami. They serve traditional, basic Northern
Italian fare. The service is exceptional, something hard
to find in Miami. Favorites include fried calamari,
Gnocchi with Pink sauce and the fagottini alle pere e
formaggio in salsa di vodka.
Andiamo
5600 Biscayne Blvd. Miami. 305-762-5751
andiamopizzamiami.com
This is the kind of pizza you dream of. Well…we do.
Brick-oven? Check. Thin crust? Check. Fresh, delicious
toppings? Check. Comfortable, plentiful seating? Check.
Casual atmosphere? Check. Great service? Check. So go!
Mandolin Aegean Bistro
4312 NE 2nd Ave; Miami. 305-576-6066.
mandolinmiami.com
This little restaurant makes you feel like you stepped
into a bistro in Greece. Blue and white touches, whitewashed walls and fresh delicious food. Owned by a husband and wife team, He is Greek and she is Turkish,
and together they have combined flavors to create a
terrific menu. Their meatballs are to die for as is their
octopus which is tender and fresh. Ordering their legendary sangria with your meal is a must.
Buena Vista Deli
4590 NE 2nd Ave, Miami. 305-576-3945
Co-owners Claude Postel and Corentin Finot have created a small, simple French bakery right of the streets
of Paris. They serve homed everything. Artisan crafted
breads, homemade pate and a wonderful variety of
homemade pastries. Merangue officiando's try the coffee meringue. TDF!
Jimmie z's Kitchen
2700 N Miami Ave. Miami. Wynwood. (305) 573-1505
jimmyzkitchen.com
Besides the fantastic food, steak frites, Fajita Salad, mofongos and yucca fries. Yum…Jimmy Z's has become
the hippest place to hang in Wynwood on a weekend
night. Live Latin music brings out the people in packs
to fill the chairs and dance in the streets.
Bengal Indian Cuisine
2010 Biscayne Blvd, Miami. (305) 403-1976
bengalindiancuisine.com
Fresh, home-cooked authentically Indian with all the
typical favorites like samosas, mango lassi, naan, chicken
tikka masala, tandoori chicken and mulligatawny soup.
The naan is delicious, both the classic and garlic. It was
baked to perfection and was not the slightest bit greasy.
Spicing is ideal as well. Ask for mild and you get mild. Ask
for extra spicy and boy do they comply! Running-nosered-cheeks-numb-lips-extra spicy!

Nemesis Urban Bistro
1035 N Miami Ave, Miami. 305-415-9911
nemesisbistro.com
Chef Micah Edelstein is in a league of her own, she does
things her way, and her unconventional ways personify what her restaurant is all about. I can say there is
no other restaurant like hers, the food is different, the
feel is different, hey even the bathroom is a world of its
own, if you have been you would know. Her South
African background and her gypsy like ways have culminated to a totally different cuisine than anyone else
has in Miami at this time. The Veal Bobotie and Tuscan
sushi are just plain awesome!
Crumb on Parchment
3930 NE 2nd Ave, Miami. (305) 572-9444
"Philly cheesesteak heaven! Sandwiches on pretzel
bread and so many dessert & sandwich options. Great
flavored teas.
Chef, Michelle Bernstein's Bakery & Cafe.
Enjoy breakfast with Crumb Granola filled with nuts
and seeds. served with fresh fruit and greek yogurt ,
Steel-Cut Oatmeal fruit & nuts, cream & brown sugar.
Big Fish
620 NE 78th St. Miami. (305) 373-1770
thebigfishrestaurant.com
Previously located on the Miami River, Big Fish has a
new owner and a new vibe. From the adorable and romantic outside patio on the water, to the fresh Italian
menu. Both the owner and the Chef hail directly from
Italy giving this little bistro a very European flair. For
appetizers try the Tuna Tartar and the Octopus Carpaccio both are very fresh, but the Impepata Di Cozze Alla
Marinara, which is Big Fishs' version of steamed mussels in a white wine and marinara sauce, is too-die-for.
Also a stand-out on the menu is the Risotto Ai Frutti di
Mare, which is Risotto with a fresh fish ragu tossed in
fresh tomato sauce. Delicious! For fish lovers, the
Aragosta was fresh and delicious. The lobster was baked
in a light butter sauce making it sweet and sublime.
Leave room for desert. The tiramisu is homemade and
they serve it in a cute little jar with a lid. Yum!
MIAMI BEACH
Prime One Twelve
112 Ocean Dr. Miami Beach. 305-532-8112
mylesrestaurantgroup.com
You might have to wait even with a reservation, but the
wait is worth it. The Best steak hands down. The small
touches make this place exceptional like the bustling
bar that serves dried strips of bacon in lieu of nuts. And
then there is the steak. Seared to perfection and the
best quality beef served with an optional variety of
sauces, truffle, garlic herb, foie gras, and chipotle. A
gathering place for the local powerhouse crowd.
Casa Tua
1700 James Ave. South Beach. 305-673-1010
casatualifestyle.com
Look beyond the tall hedges on 17th and James St. hidden behind tall hedges and tropical trees is an Italian
Villa so authentic you will feel as if you are on the Italian Riviera. and you will find an intimate, enchanting,
quietly sophisticated, decadent sanctuary. An escape
from the ordinary, mundane, the cloistered patio is covered in fairy lights, colorful lanterns, orchids and ivy
hanging from the trees. Soft music pals in the background while Italian speaking waiters move to an orchestrated dance under the stars. And that is before the

food comes. Highlight of the menu include a Passion
Fruit puree drink, Burrata and organic tomato salad,
Tagliatelle with mushrooms and truffles,and the Pappardelle with lamb argue. For dessert do not miss the
Molten. Chocolate. Lava Cake. Yum!
Lee & Marie's Cakery
40 S. Pointe Dr. Miami Beach. 305-672-5167
leeandmaries.com
Besides the tantalizing menu of croissants, cakes, pies
and danishes and the fact that the ingredients are farm
fresh, it's the mission behind the bakery that wins Lee
& Marie's this award. The two people behind the bakery, Andy Travaglia and Yannis Janssens, have created
a business where Autistic adults can work. Together
with the University of Miami/Nova Southeastern University’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, the
bakery provides employment opportunities for autistic
adults, that helps to guide them on a path to greater independence and an enhanced quality of life. Kudos.

Poseidon
1131 Washington Ave, Miami Beach. (305) 534-4434
poseidonmiami.com
There is a definite upscale vibe to this Greek Restaurant. The secret to Poseidon's authentic quality is that
they fly in fresh fish from Greece every day. They also
use their own olive oil from Messinia and herbs from
the mountain of Taygetos plus many of their other ingredients come straight from Greece making everything very special. For starters try the assorted Greek
spread & pita platter. It comes with four spreads:
tzatziki, melitzanosalata, hummus and tirokafteri.
Sneak in a taste of the fresh crusty brown bread with
olive oil and a garlic tomato tempanade. Mmmm. Next
try the Dolmades, which can be hot or cold. The hot
version came with six little bundles of perfection on
the plate, delicately sauced with the most unusual, rich
Greek egg-lemon sauce and garnished with fresh
oregano and lemon wedges. I was sorely tempted to
lick the plate! The tender Leg of Lamb, topped with
sweet caramelized onions, melts in your mouth and is
served with divine oven baked lemon potatoes that are
like nothing you've had before. Also a stand-out is the
Pastitsio or Greek Lasagna which is thick macaroni
with sauteed ground beef, garlic, onions, fresh tomatoes and smothered in a cinnamon bechamel. A must
have are the Greek fries, which are crazy addicting and
come with a creamy dipping sauce that's like a cross
between tzatziki and feta. To-Die-For! The pastry chef
is the owners mom, so try anything on the dessert
menu. It is all deliciously, home-made and worth every
single, sweet, bite.

La Sandwicherie
229 14th St.Miami Beach. 305-532-8934
lasandwicherie.com
Simply the best sandwiches with a French flair. Fresh
natural ingredients on bread that is baked fresh daily.
The French team behind La Sandwicherie has created
a niche on South Beach, filling the menu with many
different sandwich varieties to choose from. A SunPost
favorite is the Sausiccon sec on a french baguette with
cornichon and Camembert cheese. Delish. You can
often find a SunPost staffer at La Sandwicherie at 4am
on a Thursday morning after deadline chowing down
on a sandwich or two and hanging with the drag
queens, club kids, bikers and the body artists who work
in the tattoo parlor next door. La Sandwicherie's French
vinaigrette is so popular that they sell bottles of it for
customers to take home.
La Goulue
Bal Harbour Shop, 9700 Collins Ave. Bal Harbour
305-865-2181. lagouluebalharbour.com
These frees are to die for! Crispy and thick cut, served
with mayo and ketchup. If you look in the kitchen you
will see the fries laid out on baking trays waiting to be
dipped in fresh oil. They taste like they are home-made.
Divine and delicious. Of course there is so much more on
the menu like their famous soufflé au fromage which
has been La Goulue's signature dish since 1973. A combination of parmesan, gruyère and white truffle oil.
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
1600 Lenox Ave.305-538-5220
runchickenrun.com
Southern style restaurant with family style entrees that
can feed two. Hands down favorite is the Fried Chicken,
Waffles, & Watermelon. Throw in a side of Mac n'
Cheese. Large spiral noodles, smothered in cheese and
breadcrumbs. Heaven! If chicken is not your thing try
the Cheddar Waffle. Sweet with melted cheddar cheese
on top, green tomato relish and maple syrup.
Pubbelly Sushi
1424 20th St. Miami Beach. 305.531.9282
This is not your regular sushi bar. Best described as fusion sushi with exotic rolls like The Wagyu Beef Roll,
The Crispy Rice Tuna Roll with truffle oil, the snow
crab roll with a warm butter and soy dipping sauce, or
the big eye tuna roll on crunchy rice. Their yellowtail
roll wrapped in soy paper, with crab inside deserves a
special mention. But if you are really feeling adventurous then try the porkbelly and clam roll. Yowza!

PUERTO SAGUA

A SOUTH BEACH LANDMARK SINCE 1962
• Offering Daily Specials
• A Large Variety Menu
• Specializing in Paella &
a Variety of Seafood

MOCA MYSTERY DATES
MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami) kicked off the month of February in style
with its highly anticipated, seventh annual Mystery Dates fundraiser during which guests enjoyed a
dazzling evening at the homes of ten private collectors who graciously held dinner parties in support of the museum. The night began with a stylish cocktail party at MOCA, where 275 guests were
greeted with Grey Goose vodka specialty cocktails, including the La Poire Mystere and a letter revealing their dinner destination- a mystery no more. Partygoers had the opportunity to bid on over
60 luxury auction items and tour Tracey Emin’s Angel without You exhibition as Australian musician
Owen Campbell performed a live set on slide guitar, before heading off to their dinner destinations.
Each Mystery Dates host thoughtfully added personal touches to make the evening extra special.
Mary and Raul Guijarro de Pablo, who served Mexican gourmet, cleverly matched guests with art
works in their collection to mix up the dinner seating. Lorena and Evelio Gomez, founding MOCA
Visionary members, surprised guests with a performance by the Spam Allstars Band. Jessica and Elliot Dornbusch gave an extensive tour of their collection, sharing personal anecdotes about each
piece. For dessert, they served sweets in the shape of iconic artworks. Marcella and Daniel Novela’s
romantic candle-lit dinner was held in the palm garden of their 1920’s Mediterranean home. Guests
at Gloria and Sergio Leyva’s home on Old Cutler Road danced late into the night. A DJ at Alana
Burstyn’s set the mood at her hip Upper Eastside apartment, with sweeping ocean views- where she
gave an extensive tour of her art pieces, many of which she’s had since childhood, and George Sanchez Calderon held dinner in his studio on the Miami River. Dinner at Adriana Pinehero and Michael
Stein’s was held on the treetop terrace of their contemporary home in Coconut Grove and Lizzie Dascal served vegan gourmet in her South Beach apartment. Guests to Kathryn and Dan Mikesell’s
toured their Miami Modern style home and mingled with artists from their Fountainhead Residency.
After dinner, Mystery Dates guests who had a bit of steam left after hours of mingling, dining,
and merriment, met at SET for a late-night rendezvous and dancing.
Mystery Dates 2014 was co-chaired by Ashley Abess, Jessica Acosta-Rubio, Alana Burstyn, Nina
Johnson-Milewski Jessica Katz, John James Lin and Alexis Rivera who lead a dynamic committee of
Jourdan Binder, Michelle Chala, Ricky Do, Sarah Farsh, Fabiola Fleuranvil, Jimena Guijarro de Pablo,
David Herzberg, Alexander Kushner, Cori Mizrahi, Bernardo Ortiz, Maile Rodriguez, Jeremy Roth,
Camila Souza, and Matthew Vander Werff. With the support of presenting sponsor Braman Motors,
the sold-out party raised funds for upcoming MOCA exhibitions.

WINE, WOMEN & SHOES PRESENTED BY ROGER VIVIER PARIS
Wine, women and shoes- were created to go together- especially for the purpose of helping
children. It comes as no surprise that the third Annual Wine, Women & Shoes event, presented by
Roger Vivier Paris, raised nearly half a million dollars to benefit the Miami Children’s Health Foundation. On February 10, five hundred of Miami’s most philanthropic and fashion-forward ladies
who lunch squeezed into their stilettos to gather at the Coral Gables Country Club to shop and mingle at the sold-out event.

“It was inspiring to see so many women showing their support for our children and families,
while having a wonderful time enjoying fashion and friendship,“ said Lucy Morillo Esq., President
& CEO, of Miami Children’s Health Foundation.
Fittingly, Roger Vivier Paris, the fashion house credited with the design of the first stiletto heel,
served as presenting sponsor. Guests were treated to a fashion show by Neiman Marcus Coral Gables
and a creative shoe contest. The ladies also enjoyed signature wine tastings sponsored by Premier
Beverage, a one-of-a-kind silent auction, and a delicious lunch.
“This has been our most successful Wine, Women & Shoes event to date,” said Criselda Breene and
Carola Pimentel, this year’s co-chairs. “We are very proud of the hard work of our committee members and the support we received from the Hospital and Foundation board throughout the year.”
For the third year in a row, the hunky Shoe Guys were the highlight of the afternoon. Dressed in
black, the guys displayed the latest in women’s fashion on silver platters for everyone’s enjoyment,
as evidenced by the excited ovation they received upon taking the stage. Stephanie Sayfie Aagaard
proudly served as this year’s Mistress of Ceremonies, introducing Diane Breslow, who shared a moving story about her son, Harrison, a 12-year-old whose life was saved by Miami Children’s Hospital
Emergency Department and the talented staff of the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. Harrison was in
attendance with his mother and presented a video testimonial featuring interviews with some of the
doctors who saved his life. “As a parent you don’t really imagine anything like this happening to you.
Harrison was perfectly healthy one day, and the next- we had no idea what was wrong with him,”
said Diane during the presentation. “On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank everyone who
has donated to this wonderful cause for making a difference not just in my son’s life, but also in every
patient’s life who walks through the doors of Miami Children’s Hospital.” For more information
about the Wine, Women & Shoes event or Miami Children’s Health Foundation, contact Lisbet Fernandez-Vina at 786.268.1845 or visit mchf.org/winewomenandshoes.

CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS
Saturday night, Market America | Shop.com hosted a star-studded after party in honor of their
World Conference and in celebration of the launch of Joseph Fat Joe Cartagena’s Market America UnFranchise Business at the home of Market America Founders JR and Loren Ridinger in Miami Beach.
Celebrities in attendance included Jennifer Lopez, Jamie Foxx, Diddy, French Montana, Maxwell,
Timbaland, Daymond John, Cliff Floyd, and Ramona Rizzo.
Last Tuesday, Ben Swartz (from House of Lies), Jaime Foxx and Michael Bay were spotted at WALL
at W South Beach.
Prince Pierre d’Arenberg and his wife, Princess Sylvie d’Arenberg of the Netherlands dined at
Lippi on February 5. The royals enjoyed a quiet and intimate evening and shared light bites.

DESIGNED FOR A CURE COLLABORATES WITH OSCAR DE LA RENTA
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center announces their collaboration with internationally acclaimed designer Oscar de la Renta for their signature fundraising event, Designed for a Cure,
scheduled for February 13 in Miami. The event will focus on bringing awareness and the importance of cancer research through community partnerships and an inspiring runway show featuring designs by de la Renta. The designer will be participating in Designed for a Cure in support of
his doctor and close friend, Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., director of Sylvester. The VIP reception provides first access to the highly anticipated silent auction and tasting tables, featuring more than
30 of Miami’s finest restaurants and bars. The highlight of the evening will combine a powerful
runway show featuring patient/ survivors escorted by their Sylvester physicians in de la Renta designs and models dressed in de la Renta’s spring 2014 collection. The fundraising event will conclude with a festive after-party including dessert tastings, music and dancing. During the evening,
Jennifer Stearns Buttrick, former event chair for Designed for a Cure, will be honored with the first
Harcourt M. and Virginia W. Sylvester Philanthropist of the Year Award in recognition of her hard
work and dedication to Sylvester. Designed for a Cure will take place at the Ice Palace, located at
1400 North Miami Avenue in Miami. VIP cocktail reception tickets are $400 each and include exclusive, first access to the event at 6:00 p.m. along with seating at the fashion show. General admission tickets are $200 each, and the doors will open for general admission at 7:00 p.m. For more
information, call 305.243.9088 or visit sylvester.org/designedforacure.

2

MOCA
Mystery Dates

2014 BE A VOICE, EMPOWER BRILLIANT FUTURES GALA
On February 15, Voices For Children Foundation and the Mandarin Oriental Miami will host the
2014 Be A Voice, Empower Brilliant Futures Gala with presenting sponsor, The House of Harry
Winston, along with Honorary Gala Co-Chairs and Voices board members Christian and Brittany
Slater, and Jim Ferraro and Alena Gavrikova, to show support and raise funds for the foster care
youth of Miami-Dade County. This event will welcome 500 of Miami’s most philanthropic and influential community leaders and dedicated business professionals. Individual ticket starts at $500;
premier seating $1,000. To RSVP and attend the event: bit.ly/BeAVoiceEmpowerBrilliantFutures or Tania Rodriguez, TRodriguez@BeAVoice.org, 305.324.5678.

J NELSON PRESENTS MARIO BUATTA AND GEOFFREY BRADFIELD
On February 20, at 2:00 p.m. design legends Mario Buatta and Geoffrey Bradfield will discuss their
careers with Lloyd Princeton. Buatta, aptly named The Prince of Chintz has designed interiors for
S.I. Newhouse, Malcolm Forbes, Nelson Doubleday, Henry Ford II, Barbara Walters, Mariah Carey,
among others. Bradfield has decorated residences for Oliver Stone, the late King Hussein of Jordan, the estate of Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney and many Silent Celebrities, fervently guarding their
privacy. Both have appeared in Architectural Digest numerous times, and have had long-runs in the
AD 100, the most prestigious list of designers the world over. Princeton, who will moderate the lecture, is an author, renowned design business consultant and motivational speaker. Buatta and
Bradfield will give a lecture and a visual presentation showing their opulent flair and artfulness
of interior decoration. They will also sign copies of their recent publications Mario Buatta: Fifty years
of Interior Design and Geoffrey Bradfield: Artistic License; RSVP to mario@mkarte.com 212.939.6431.